How to identify Shaggy blazing star (Liatris pilosa)

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How to identify Shaggy blazing star (Liatris pilosa)

Shaggy blazing star exhibits a distinctive upright form with slender, hairy stems that can reach heights of 2 to 4 feet (60 to 120 cm). This perennial is characterized by narrow, lanceolate leaves and a spiky inflorescence bearing fluffy, vibrant purple flowers. The blooms are densely clustered on the spikes, which emanate a feathery appearance and stand out against the green foliage. The flower spikes typically appear in late summer to fall, offering a striking display.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Quickly Identify Shaggy blazing star

Upright form with slender stems, 2-4 feet (60-120 cm) tall.

Spiky inflorescence with fluffy purple flowers in late summer to fall.

Fruit are small brownish achenes with hair-like pappus, 0.1-0.2 inches (2-5 mm) long.

Lanceolate leaves with hairy margins, progressively smaller towards the top.

Robust, green stem with vertical ridges, 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) tall.

Detailed Traits of Shaggy blazing star

Leaf Features

The leaves of shaggy blazing star grow both basally and along the stem, becoming smaller toward the top. The base has narrow lanceolate leaves up to 12 inches (30 cm) with hairy fringed margins. Fine hairs cover the underside. Leaf length decreases as they ascend the stem, with the uppermost leaves being needle-like and 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) long. Leaves feature a distinctive fuzzy texture and progressive shrinkage, aiding identification.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of shaggy blazing star appear on a vertical stem in a spike-like arrangement. Each flower head comprises 7-10 apetalous florets, each with small, tubular 5-lobed pink-purple blossoms featuring rounded petal tips. The flowers measure approximately shaggy blazing star inches (shaggy blazing star cm) in size and emit a subtle scent. These blooms, attractive to long-tongued bees and butterflies, grace the plant from August to November, opening from the top downwards. The inflorescence offers a captivating sight with its vibrant hues and orderly blooming sequence.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of shaggy blazing star is a single, robust, erect structure emerging from a basal tuft of leaves. It is green with fine, darker green ridges running vertically along its surface, giving it a finely textured appearance. The unbranched stem stands 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) tall, providing a striking, upright presence. The stem is relatively slender but sturdy, making it a distinctive marker for identifying this plant.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of shaggy blazing star is a small, dry, one-seeded, indehiscent structure known as an achene. Each selection of fruit is typically surrounded by bristly, hair-like structures called pappus, which aid in wind dispersal. The achenes themselves are usually brownish and oblong-shaped, measuring about 0.1 to 0.2 inches (2 to 5 mm) in length. Upon maturity, these fruits are ready for dispersal from September to December, aligning with the flowering season of shaggy blazing star. The texture is characteristically rough to the touch.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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